“The Vietnamese government will create favorable conditions for Qatari businesses to invest in big projects in the country,” the national radio station, Voice of Vietnam, quoted Dung as saying.

The king suggested that an agency be started to boost the implementation of the signed agreements and projects.

He said he hoped Vietnam would supply skilled workers and professionals to Qatar, especially doctors and nurses.

The king said this year he would make an official visit and his country, which borders Saudi Arabia, would open an embassy in Hanoi and a consular office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dung attended a business forum on Sunday afternoon between Vietnamese and Qatari enterprises in Doha, calling on Qatari businesses to invest in Vietnamese industries including energy, infrastructure construction, financial and banking services and labor, according to the government website.

After the forum, Dung witnessed the signing of investment agreements worth hundreds of millions of US dollars between the two countries’ businesses, including a US$500 million deal to build a seaport and a logistic center in Hai Phong port city by the Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board and the Restaport Group.

Dung has been there since Saturday and it is the first time a Vietnamese PM has officially visited Qatar and Kuwait.

Last year’s two-way trade between Vietnam and Qatar increased to $80 million from $30 million in 2006.

Source: TN